Lynchburg City School officials say the search for a new superintendent is in the home stretch. In a public letter released today, School Board Chairman Michael Nilles says they are down to a list of finalists who will be invited for individual interviews in the next few weeks. After that, he says, a final decision should be announced shortly. The school board is looking for the person who will succeed Scott Brabrand as the leader of Lynchburg’s school system.

(Continue reading for today’s Lynchburg City Schools letter)

From the Lynchburg City School Board Chairman Michael Nilles: ​Members of the Lynchburg City School Board want to provide everyone with an update on our LCS Superintendent search process. On Tuesday, Nov. 21, the School Board met in closed session with representatives from Ray & Associates to discuss the results of the superintendent search. They stated a total of 72 candidates had completed the application process for the LCS Superintendent position. Our school division’s size and location were cited as attractive characteristics. Candidates were evaluated and ranked based on administrative experience, academic background, characteristics derived from the public forums, and School Board input. Screening interviews were conducted by Ray & Associates representatives. The screening also included reference checks and discussions with state officials and others who know the candidates’ strengths and abilities.

The top eleven candidates from the screening process were presented to the School Board for consideration. After much discussion, it was agreed the School Board will invite several of those candidates for individual interviews by the entire School Board. Interviews will be scheduled to take place within the next few weeks, and a final hiring decision would be announced shortly afterwards.